The Falcon 9 launch vehicle developed by Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) will provide launch services for the Iridium NEXT constellation of satellites under a $492m deal.

The Falcon 9 will carry multiple Iridium satellites and place them into a low-earth orbit (LEO), with Iridium replacing its current satellite constellation.

The satellites are set to launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) in California between 2015 and 2017.

Iridium previously awarded a contract to Thales Alenia Space to develop 81 satellites including six in-orbit spare satellites and nine ground spares for the Iridium NEXT constellation.

Falcon 9 is a two-stage launch vehicle capable of lifting 11t to LEO. It recently achieved 100% of its mission objectives in its maiden flight.

Iridium Communications is also in the process of selecting at least one additional launch services provider.

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